IPL 2022: One-dimensional batting is a huge concern for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers’ Kane Williamson After the auction, it was predicted that Hyderabad will be one of the weaker franchises this season. Hyderabad, like Gujarat Titans, failed to bring energy to their lineup. After their first two games, it’s safe to say that the Men in Orange have a long road ahead of them in this year’s IPL.

The Sunrisers have a lacklustre top-order.

While the other teams have at least one power hitter in their top three, the Sunrisers have taken a different approach. Rahul Tripathi, who ignited the IPL for KKR under Dinesh Kartik, is no longer the same player. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, who has bounced around between franchises over the last several seasons, has been unable to establish himself in the IPL.

Williamson is obliged to open for his side due to a lack of middle-order options for the captain. Because Williamson typically plays inside his limitations, opponents are able to get a head start on the powerplay. None of the top three has been able to provide Sunrisers with any kind of foundation. Instead, they were cheaply dismissed, putting all of the emphasis on the middle order.

Pressure on Pooran

Nicolas Pooran is still the only batter in SRH’s top-six who can clear the ball whenever he wants. Pooran showed hints of his dynamism in the second game, although in a losing cause, despite getting out on a duck in the first. With a one-dimensional top-order opting for a cautious start to the innings, Pooran bears the brunt of the responsibility for taking the team to par scores. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to maintain that level of consistency in his runs.

Aiden Markram, despite being a competent all-rounder in the middle, has the same strike rate as Williamson. The domestic T20 strike rate in South Africa is merely 128 per cent.

Pooran remains their only trendy slogger as a result, with Abdul Samad filling in as a pinch hitter in the end.

Foreign batters limit bowling options

SRH suffers from the fact that they can only use one foreign bowler in their first XI, in addition to their conservative and generally one-dimensional batting style. Kane Williamson, Nicolas Pooran, and Aiden Markram each have three foreign berths, putting tremendous pressure on the Indian bowling unit to save the match.

The Sunrisers will struggle to improve on their results from last season unless these international superstars step up and venture outside their comfort zones.